subject: Contact Your Batavia Pediatrician Regarding Childhood Gerd Issues [print this page] International Journal of Pediatric Obesity conducted a recent study and found overweight and obese children are at risk for getting even more adult illnesses. Approximately 17 percent of children and teens age 2-19 are obese in the United States. Numerous studies have linked childhood obesity to high blood pressure and diabetes. The study from the International Journal of Pediatric Obesity found that overweight and obese children face an illness usually seen in adults, Gastro-esophageal reflux disease or commonly known as GERD.
The researchers analyzed data from nearly 690,000 children enrolled in the Kaiser Permanente health plan in Southern California. The conclusions were quite stunning. Moderately obese children and teens were 30 percent more likely to have GERD. Extremely obese children and teens were 40 percent more likely to have GERD than those children with a normal weight.
15 percent of the adult population in the United States is afflicted with GERD. GERD causes inflammation in the esophagus, acid indigestion, or heartburn. GERD can be very uncomfortable for people. There has been an established link between obesity and GERD for adults. However, doctors didn't know whether children were suffering from GERD. The longer people have reflux the higher the risk they have of developing esophageal cancer. Esophageal cancer rates have been increasing. According to your local Batavia Pediatrician, when children have reflux at the age of 6, when they turn 30 they have had over 2 decades of strain on their esophagus. Reflux occurs in babies who are chubby and ones that are skinny; that's normal. However as children age, pediatricians are noticing that reflux is reoccurring, especially in the heavy kids.
Parents must set a family goal to get healthy, by having everyone invested in keeping healthy. Parents are the role models for their children. If you encourage healthy foods and eat healthy foods, your child over time may follow your example. Eating more fruit and veggies and drink less soda is an important first step. Adding physical activity into daily life and encourage less television, video games, and computer time is a great way to bond as a family. Moms and dads are also encouraged to talk to their Batavia Pediatrician about any health concerns.
by: Peter Buh
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